Rennes – St Etienne Preview

Rennes were pretty unlucky not to win last round away at Evian (finished 1-1). Rennes cornered the opponent many times and had the best of opportunities but striker Toivonen was not himself and missed a couple of sitters and even a penalty.

Fullback Danze was also in bad form and was often outplayed by simple dribbling moves. Danze also had a poor performance in the midweek Cup game away at Bastia in which he even scored an own goal (Bastia won 3-1). It was a game full of nerves and Rennes had to play the final 15 minutes in 9 after midfielders Konradsen and Lenjani got red cards (both of them will be suspended for this game)

Central midfielder Pajot and important winger Ntep missed the midweek game because of injuries and are doubtful for this round.

St Etienne look a bit better now in comparison to the first part of the season. Forwards Erding and van Wolfswinkel haven’t really improved, but the offensive play has a good flow thanks to attacking midfielders who are highly active.

Winger Hamouma was omnipresent and created many dangerous opportunities either by himself or by getting engaged in actions with teammates. Mollo also seem to be in great and tries hard to make the most of every minute on the field. He is usually a reserve but now he takes advantage of Gradel’s departure to the African Cup of Nations.

In defense however things look worse than before as both against PSG in the midweek Cup and against Reims last round we could see many open spaces. Only thanks to keeper Ruffier St Etienne got away with conceding only 1 goal per game so far in 2015.

Guests will miss midfielder Cohade who suffered an injury in the Cup game.

Difficult encounter for both sides and a game of waiting is foreseen until someone will manage to find the net.